Ahead of their cross-city derby with Espanyol in the Spanish top-flight, Xavi has provided an update on the situation surrounding winger Ousmane Dembele.
The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer, and looked to be on his way out in January, with the Spanish giants saying that he would no longer be a part of the squad after 31st January in an attempt to drum up interest in the wide forward.
It was a vain attempt, however. No such interest was forthcoming, and Dembele remained a Barcelona player by the time that the transfer window slammed shut, even if he is unlikely to be one next campaign.
And now, it seems as though Barca have decided to make do and use their talented option in the squad, with Dembele on the bench against Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Asked to clarify the situation, Blaugrana manager Xavi reiterated his support of Dembele, saying ‘he’s a player of the squad. He’s going to help the team and he’ll play for sure. It’s a closed topic’.
The Spaniard went on to reveal that he wanted to hand Dembele minutes in their 4-2 win over Atleti but ‘circumstances didn’t make it happen’, as a sending off for Dani Alves forced a rethink in the second half.
Barça manager Xavi protecting Ousmane Dembélé: “He’s a player of the squad. He’s going to help the team and he’ll play for sure. It’s a closed topic”. ?? #FCB
“I wanted to give Ousmane minutes against Atlético, but circumstances didn’t make it happen”. pic.twitter.com/WoqcXk0ACE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2022
How important is this derby?
Besides bragging rights in Barcelona itself, the game is much more significant for the Blaugrana, who are looking to build upon their victory over Atleti and cement a spot in the top 4 of La Liga in order to push for Champions League qualification.
Barcelona derby loading …#EspanyolBarça pic.twitter.com/5Av0bUSd0s
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 11, 2022
With three wins in their last 5, another victory could take them up to third, above Real Betis, if other results go their way.
